Duhallow draw short straw in facing Nemo in first round
DUHALLOW drew the short straw after being paired against Nemo Rangers in the opening round of the 2016 County SFC at Pairc Ui Rinn on Tuesday night.
With alterations in place in terms of format, all teams from clubs, colleges and divisional sides are included in round 1. That’s in comparison to the outgoing system where colleges and divisions play off among themselves before two sides join the clubs in the fourth round.
Over the past 30 years or so, Duhallow and Nemo have enjoyed great tussles and on occasions, Duhallow have held their own against the great aristocrats of Cork football. From 1988, two goals from Denny Allen paved the way for Nemo to see off a gallant Duhallow.
In that era, Duhallow were putting together serious strides in a bid to regain a hold of a county title not won since 1936. Denied by a replay by Castlehaven in 1989, it came right in 1990, goals did the trick on recording a 4-5 to 0-9 triumph over Nemo Rangers in a semi final.
That placed Duhallow into a decider against St. Finbarrs and from a low scoring tussle, Duhallow bridged a 54 year gap to secure triumph. As defending champions, an extra burden was placed on Duhallow for 199 yet a a goal blitz in a semi final helped better Nemo 3-11 to 0-9 prior to overcoming St. Finbars again in the decider.
Thereafter, from the three next meetings in semi final assignments, its Nemo Rangers who hold the advantage to wins in 1999, 2006 and 2008.
From the past season, Duhallow held mixed innings, a new look side held too much firepower for Avondhu, Muskerry and Newcestown before a sluggish outing incurred a loss to Carbery Rangers.
Management wise, Padraig Kearns steps up from selector to manager in the company of Jimmy Dennehy, Cormac Linehan, William O’Leary and Seán McAulliffe, looking to build a formidable line up on and off the field to challenge the reigning holders.
Club games have hindered Duhallow’s preparations and with Newmarket, Rockchapel and Kanturk involved on Sunday, it makes planning a line up difficult.
Nemo won a record 19th county title despite suffering a number of injuries to key men during the campaign and though provincial honours eluded them in dramatic circumstances against Clonmel Commercials. With the return of Luke Connolly and the Cronin brothers from injury, Nemo will be in a strong position in a bid to retain their title and wear the mantle of favorites to succeed on Tuesday.
The winners from Duhallow/ Nemo progress to meet Muskerry/ Aghada with the losers coming up against Seandún.